Contents
Description
Camassia Quamash, commonly known as the Camas Lily or Blue Camas, is a perennial bulb flower that is native to North America. It is a member of the lily family and is known for its striking blue blooms that appear in the spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Camassia |
Appearance
The Camas Lily grows to a height of 1-3 feet and blooms in the spring. Its flowers are a beautiful shade of blue and are arranged in a spike-like cluster on a tall stem. The flowers have six petals that are fused at the base to form a tube. The leaves are long and narrow, and are typically a bluish-green color. The bulb of the Camas Lily is edible and was an important food source for Native American tribes.
Care Guide
The Camas Lily is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and should be planted in an area with full sun to partial shade. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the bulb to rot. Fertilize the plant once a year in the fall using a balanced fertilizer. The Camas Lily is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Camas Lily is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to bulb rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. Gophers and other rodents may also eat the bulbs if they are not protected.
Habitat
The Camas Lily is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. It is particularly common in the Pacific Northwest and is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens across the country.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does the Camas Lily bloom?
A: The Camas Lily blooms in the spring and typically flowers for 2-3 weeks.
Q: Can the bulbs of the Camas Lily be divided?
A: Yes, the bulbs of the Camas Lily can be divided in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Q: Is the Camas Lily deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the Camas Lily is deer-resistant.
Q: Can the Camas Lily be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Camas Lily can be grown in containers, as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage.
Related Plants
- Camassia Leichtlinii
- Camassia Cusickii
- Camassia Esculenta
References
- North American Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Camassia quamash. North American Native Plant Society. https://nanps.org/camassia-quamash/
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. (n.d.). Camassia quamash. University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. https://wimastergardener.org/article/camassia-quamash/
- Wildflower.org. (n.d.). Camassia quamash. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAQU2
